Rep. David W. Martin (R-Davison) today voiced strong support for the new F-15EX mission at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County. The new mission was announced by President Trump yesterday, shortly before his 100 Days rally in Warren. 21 F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets will be arriving at the beginning of FY28, shortly after the base’s squadron of A-10 “Warthogs” are slated to retire.

“This new fighter jet mission is absolutely critical for national security in the airspace along our northern border,” Martin said. “As an Air Force veteran who wore the uniform for two decades, the A-10 undoubtedly holds a special place in my heart. But, 50 years later, the mission has evolved and the advanced Eagle II will better suit that role, as I know from supporting the F-15C while stationed in Galena, Alaska.”

The outgoing A-10 was first introduced in 1977 and has been providing close air support to U.S. forces for nearly 50 years. While the A-10 was designed exclusively for close air support, the F-15EX is a multirole fighter.

“These new multirole fighters will be able to carry on the 107^th Squadron’s mission of close air support, while also possessing the capability of air-to-air combat and much more,” Martin said. “Our world faces unprecedented challenges, and flexibility is key if we want to rise above our adversaries. This move makes our nation stronger abroad, and safer at home.”

Two years ago, Martin attended a roundtable at Selfridge, discussing the divestment of the A-10s and an overview of the Squadron’s mission, as well as its economic impact. Estimates from 2023 predicted that losing the A-10 without replacement would risk the base losing 611 personnel, including 246 full time employees, and would cost a negative economic impact of $44,520,000 annually to the State of Michigan

“We’ve been talking about the need to replace the A-10s at Selfridge with advanced generation fighter jets for years now,” Martin said. “This move will protect hundreds, if not thousands of jobs on base and in the community. When I spoke with the experts two years ago, they specifically said they needed the F-15EX to continue their mission. I am grateful that all our hard work has paid off and that we’re getting our airmen the assets they need to keep us safe.”

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